The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force is intensifying intelligence-led policing measures to proactively address potential security threats arising from evolving global dynamics and domestic circumstances.
Speaking with journalists at the State House after his swearing-in as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Disu said security agencies are already taking proactive measures to monitor emerging situations and prevent any breakdown of law and order, including potential protests that may arise from international developments.
Disu explained that the Nigerian Police Force is maintaining close surveillance on groups with ideological or religious leanings that may be influenced by developments in other parts of the world.
“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that what we practise is intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground.
“We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria. We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well. So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussions will come to us.
“So we are putting all necessary actions in place. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their hands,” he added.
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The Inspector-General of Police stressed that under his leadership, the Force would be guided by a renewed sense of duty to public service and accountability to the Nigerian people.
He noted that officers and personnel of the Force must continually recognise that their primary responsibility is to serve and protect the citizens.
“I made up my mind to ensure that my officers get to know that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizens of the country are our bosses,” he said.
Disu also weighed in on the ongoing national debate over the creation of state police, declaring that the concept was inevitable and that the Nigeria Police Force would actively participate in shaping its implementation.
He disclosed that a committee has already been constituted to review the proposed police reform from the perspective of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are making decisions and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything,” he said.
“We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police have come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed.
“The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” the IGP added.
The Inspector-General of Police further identified the welfare of personnel as a key priority of his leadership, emphasising that effective policing can only be achieved when officers are properly motivated and adequately supported.
He noted that the nature of policing requires significant sacrifice, including extended periods away from family and frequent exposure to high-risk and life-threatening situations.
“It is somebody who is well motivated who will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult,” he said.
Disu recalled that during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, the Force recorded the loss of several officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“Some few years ago, when I was Commissioner of Police, FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen in just a year.
“So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families. So the welfare is very, very vital,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the welfare of police personnel would receive greater attention and enhancement under the current administration.
“I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want,” Disu added.